Hall of Fame
Lance Gasaway has fond memories of his greatest game as a Boll Weevil – a 36-31 victory over Henderson State that many long-time UAM observers consider the most exciting game in school history. Gasaway set school and AIC records that afternoon by catching 16 passes for 196 yards against a Reddie pass defense that came into the game ranked among the best in the nation. The game was played on the first day of deer season so the crowd was sparse, but Gasaway still remembers a group of hunters still dressed in blaze orange standing in a knot under the oak tree that used to be located inside the track outside the northeast corner of the end zone. “I caught a touchdown pass over there, and I can still remember them hollering,” Gasaway said.
Gasaway finished his career as one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history with 113 receptions for 1,605 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was an honorable mention NAIA Division I All-American in 1985 and a two-time first team All-AIC selection in 1984-85.
The fourth Gasaway to don a Boll Weevil jersey – he followed cousins Byron and Brannon and brother Greg to UAM – Lance enjoyed a special rapport with his quarterback, Joe Don Samples. “Joe Don and I always had a connection,” said Gasaway. “He knew where I’d be and I always knew when he was coming to me. That bond that you share with your teammates is what you remember. Joe Don and I are still friends today. We still see each other once or twice a year.”
Gasaway lives in Star City where he farms with his brother and sons, manages an 18,000-acre farm for a group from Utah, managed an agricultural flying service with six locations in southeast Arkansas, and owns two businesses in Pine Bluff – Pine Bluff Blueprint and Sunkist Tanning.
